The University of St. Thomas was founded in 1947 by the Basilian Fathers who were invited by Bishop Christopher Byrne
of the Galveston Diocese to establish a Catholic university in Houston. The first University building was the
Link Lee Mansion on Montrose. Originally, most functions of the University were housed here ranging from the
switchboard to the library, including classrooms and the office of the University President, Vincent J. Guinan, CSB.
Despite difficulties during the 1950s and the 1980s, the University grew in enrollment, faculty, buildings and
alumni support. The Mansion remains in use as the administrative headquarters of the University.

This collection of 164 framed photographs and collages (several frames hold multiple photographs) represents a small
portion of the total UST archival collection. The photographs mounted on display in UST campus buildings are in
color or black and white and were taken during the 1947-2004 time period. The photographs record people, events,
buildings, and the growth and spirit of the University of St. Thomas. Several of the photographs in Murphy Hall
were displayed by the building’s occupants while University benefactors also provided photographs.

Arrangement of the Photographs

The photographs were selected to illustrate the history of the University. The matting, framing and mounting was
directed by an outside consultant. The photographs are a static display and are available for viewing by everyone.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

All of the terms and names listed below can be found in the finding aid. The names are of people and organizations
instrumental in the founding and growth of the University. The University of St. Thomas is a Catholic univeristy
founded by Basilian fathers at the request of Bishop Christopher Bynre of what was then the Galveston diocese. The
diocese has grown to become the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese. The fathers are memebers of the Congregation of
St. Basil, CSB. The first University president was Vincent J. Guinan, CSB. A later president was J. Michael Miller,
CSB. Not until 1988, over forty years after its founding, did a lay person become president. Connections with the
Catholic church and the Basilian fathers remain very strong.

Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center

Main Corridor, South Wall

Main Corridor, West Wall

Artist’s rendering of the Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center which was
named for the family of Dr. John D. Jerabeck, a major donor, 1982

Dedication of the Jerabeck Center was held on May 5 [1983]. Dr. John Jerabeck,
Lloyd Webre, Bishop John Markovsky, UST President Fr. William Young, CSB, 1983

Groundbreaking for Jerabeck Center was held on April 6 [1982]. It was followed by a luncheon
at La Colombe d’Or Restaurant where Fr. William J. Young, CSB, and Dr. John J. Jerabeck presented a
rendering of the building, 1982

[Informal team photo] “Fightin’ Celts traveled a fairly rocky path their first season back
out on the basketball court since 1969. It was a tremendous learning experience for both the players and the
coaching staff led by Coach Tommy L. Collins - 1985